In Hunt of 21. How Federer is Still On Top at Wimbledon 2018.
- June 28th, 2018
- Tom Bean
Roger Federer, unquestionably the greatest player to play the game, goes in hunt of his ninth Wimbledon title next week to add to his 20 grand slam titles in all. At the age of 36, he once again reinstated himself at the top of the World Rankings earlier this year, just as some doubters began to believe he was over the hill.
In a remarkable career, one man has been alongside him the longest of anyone. Dubbed the most important man for Federer's longevity, yet rarely seen, Pierre Paganini can be an allusive character. Having only been present for 2 of Federer's grand slam wins in person, Paganini's influence on the great man's achievements is rarely recognised by those outside of his camp.
However, in their 18-years-and-counting partnership, he has worked deftly to prolong Federer's time at the top. Building agility and stamina has taken precedence over weights based programme in Paganini's ideology and Federer has reaped the rewards.
The fitness coach, initially set on working in football, recognises what is required from the strains and demands of tennis and set about building an 'endurance of explosivity' into Federer's game. He believes that having the ability to move around the court efficiently is the foremost physical attribute in tennis, particularly when you go deep into the 5th set at a slam.
The way off-court sessions are structured are all about developing footwork and agility. When you see Federer move around the court and strike a ball, his head stays so still, owing to the base that his feet give him. The agility and footwork initiates the efficiency in his technique that affords his body increased strain, hence why we have seen him stay at the top for so long and seemingly get stronger the deeper into a match he goes.
What's in the sessions?
Federer will be the first person to recognise the profit of Paganini's work, purely from the lack of injuries he has suffered over his illustrious career; but what exactly is it the two are doing behind the scenes that has produced such astonishing results.
Non-racket drills make up the bulk of their work with catching exercises, resistance bands and core work.
All the drills follow the pattern of agility and footwork. A glimpse at the sessions uncovers games of catch with two balls, games where Federer bounces a ball back and forth to a partner, gradually speeding up to a dramatic rate; it's some of the most intense renditions of catch you'll see.
Paganini also has Federer stood on one leg, again making him react to a multitude of different balls (sometimes three at a time) in various ways, either to catch, bunt back with a football or to hit with his hands.
Weights take a back seat in the sessions, instead resistance bands are preferred to improve strength and explosivity in both the upper body and the lower body. They make use of the bands both in the gym and when rallying. Having the bands around Federer's legs whilst moving around the court clearly strengthens the muscles so that when it comes to moving without them, he feels free, no doubt something that helps in those big five-setters.
As one of the slighter players on the circuit, Federer classic style relies purely on his technique and movement around the court to produce results, rather than out-hitting his opponent. With the fast, low bounces and the unpredictability of Wimbledon's grass courts, Federer's game suits the conditions perfectly and it is no surprise that most of Federer's grand slam wins have come at the All England Club but can we expect him to take another one this time round?
Wimbledon 2018
The Men
With the big-guns not quite firing on all cylinders and question marks over Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and French Open champion Rafa Nadal's fitness, The Championships this year could be wide open on the men's side. It's hard to look beyond Roger claiming his ninth title, but fresh off his win over Novak in the final at Queens, Marin Čilić will been keen to make another big statement so take it as no surprise to see the big Croatian still around deep into the second week at Wimbledon.
The youngsters could well have a say in how the tournament pans out too. The rise of Kyle Edmund will no doubt whip the English crowd into a frenzy and with their rapturous support behind him, Edmund could well go far in The Championships. Aleksander Zverev and the mercurial Nick Kyrgios no doubt have the talent to cause a few upsets on the way too; so watch closely at The All England, it could be one of the most exciting Wimbledon Championships to date.
The Ladies
The big news on the Women's side of the draw is the return of Serena Williams to the grass, post-birth of her first child. Serena comes in as 25th seed and although not back to full form yet, will always be a threat at The All England.
The field, as is normally the case in the Ladies draw, is wide open and we could see a winner from anywhere. Last year's champion, Garbi�e Muguruza, has struggled for consistency this season making it a tough task to retain the Venus Rosewater dish this time round. Simona Halep is still riding the crest of a wave after her maiden grand slam title in Paris last month and comes in hoping to transfer her form from the clay to the grass.
Other contenders come in the form of US Open Champion, Sloane Stephens who hopes to consolidate her talent at Wimbledon which has been a tough stomping ground for her in the past. Venus Williams has an annual love affair with Center Court and then who knows what could happen with British hope Johanna Konta once she gets the rousing Wimbledon crowd behind her!
One thing is for sure though, were in for another cracker-jack tournament in South West London! Make sure you stay on top of your game with Sportplan's vast drills library and session plans.